New York—Dec. 17, 2014 — Last evening, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights (formerly the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights) honored four leaders whose demonstrated commitment to social change exemplify Robert F. Kennedy’s passion for equality, justice, and basic human rights—Former Secretary of State and U.S. Senator from New York, Hillary Rodham Clinton; singer and philanthropist, Tony Bennett; actor and philanthropist, Robert De Niro; and Physicians Interactive Chairman and CEO, Donato Tramuto at the 2014 Ripple of Hope Awards Dinner. The event took place at the New York Hilton in New York City and hosted nearly 1,300 guests.
Past recipients of the Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope Award, which lauds leaders of the international business, entertainment, and activist communities who demonstrate commitment to social change, include: President Bill Clinton, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, John Boyer, Bono, George Clooney, Niclas Matseke, and Vice President Al Gore. Each honoree reflects Robert Kennedy’s belief that we all must strive to “make gentle the life of this world.”
Upon accepting her award, Clinton stated, “Robert Kennedy was the privileged heir to a famous name. Yet that never stopped him from finding the humanity in everyone. From a single mom in Bed-Sty, to a steel worker in Buffalo, to a student in South Africa – he had the great gift of seeing the word through their eyes. Imagining what it was like to walk in their shoes. I was so honored to follow in Robert Kennedy’s footsteps to the United States Senate, and his example was often on my mind. Robert Kennedy was a man of action, and he would urge us to take hold of these challenges, to organize, to legislate, and yes, to vote. For those of us who admire his legacy, that seems to me a big part, to narrow the gap between our ideals and our reality.” She continued, “There is no doubt that, at home and abroad, America is at our best when our actions match our values. Yes, the threat of terrorism is real and urgent. Scores of children were just murdered in Pakistan, beheadings in the Middle East, a siege in Sydney. These tragedies not only break hearts but should steel our resolve and underscore that our values are what set us apart from our adversaries. At this moment in our country and indeed, in the world, let us again turn to the wisdom and the example of Robert Kennedy. It is only in this spirit that we will be able to meet the perils and seize the possibilities of the 21st century.”
“I’ve been very lucky in my career, and I like having my name associated with the movies, and the Film Festival, and so on,” noted De Niro, “but what I’m most proud of is tonight being associated with RFK Human Rights. It should be the most uncontroversial thing . . . human rights. You don’t have to earn them, you’re born with human rights. They can’t be taken away.”
“While this award was given to me as an individual, I accept it on behalf of all the people at the business and philanthropic organizations I have had the privilege of leading, without whose contributions I wouldn’t be standing here today,” said Tramuto. “I am humbled by their dedication and commitment to helping me make the world a little better for so many. As Senator Kennedy said, ‘Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events.’ Those words inspired me as a child attempting to overcome my own disabilities, and they continue to inspire me today. I am honored to be recognized for trying to live up to Senator Kennedy’s ideals.”
Guests in attendance at last night’s gala included: Ethel Kennedy, Kerry Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Jonathan Alter, Michael Bolton, Tony Lo Bianco, Trevor Donovan, America Ferrera, Melanie Griffith, Kimberly Guilfoyle, Rachael Harris, Dennis Haysbert, Cheryl Hines, Catherine Keener, Harvey Keitel, Chad Lowe, Matt McCoy, Dikembe Mutumbo, Lena Olin, Bill O’Reilly, Mandy Patinkin, Thomas Roberts, Ed Shultz and Debra Winger, among others.
The Eighth Annual Ripple of Hope Holiday Auction, which benefits Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights’ work of advancing human rights efforts around the world, featured many celebrities in attendance at last night’s event. The online auction includes rare memorabilia, art, and one-in-a-lifetime experiences with notable figures in entertainment, politics, music and sports—ranging from intimate meals with Robert De Niro, Phylicia Rashad, or journalistic titans Dan Rather and Bill Moyers, a round of golf and lunch with comedian George Lopez, or VIP tickets and after-party passes to the American Music Awards or Academy of Country Music Awards to a day of falconing with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., exotic Greek and Italian vacations, and much more. The auction is open to bidders internationally through Thursday, December 18, 2014. For a full list of auction items and additional information, please visit: www.RFKauction.com.
